The Prairie Dog 3 is a slightly larger (deeper) version of our Prairie Dog series; however, its width is a narrower without the east porch. The larger west porch allows for a large group to view the sunsets year-round. Vaulted ceilings through out the main living areas give openness to the rooms. The large south patio is for cooking out and enjoying the sun. With landscaping and lighting, the north facing entrance with its long walkway can become a welcoming entrance for friends as they pass through an inviting garden area.

The Prairie Dog 3 is a slightly larger (deeper) version of our Prairie Dog series; however, its width is a narrower without the east porch. The larger west porch allows for a large group to view the sunsets year-round. Vaulted ceilings through out the main living areas give openness to the rooms. The large south patio is for cooking out and enjoying the sun. With landscaping and lighting, the north facing entrance with its long walkway can become a welcoming entrance for friends as they pass through an inviting garden area.

First Floor

The sunny breakfast nook is the focal point with built in seating. With arches between the kitchen and great room, and kitchen and dining, the cook will not feel left out and the guests won't see the mess. Like most of our homes, the first floor has the main living spaces and the ones on the south are vaulted and open.
The master bedroom is isolated from the other bedroom since it is in the more private part of the house. The master bedroom also has access to the large west porch for a quite place to read.
Bedroom two would make a great study or guest bedroom for an early riser who wanted to watch the sun come up. Bath 2 is centrally located, wheelchair-friendly, and many of passages elsewhere in the house can accommodate a wheelchair too. The laundry is near the center of the house to make it convenient from all work areas as well as the garage entry.

Daylight Basement

The sunny, west side of the basement is designed with flexibility and it too is easily accessed from the center of the home. The sun will stream down the stairs in winter. You have one full bath and bedroom. The entertainment room could also be closed off and used as bedroom. The root storage is tucked into the cool north side. The patio doors on the west allow for easy outside access.

Garage

The attached garage can house two vehicles and storage or workbench on the north wall. Attic storage is accessed from the pull down stairs in the garage. The entry from the garage to the house allows the family to enter the same nice entry as the guests. We have designed the house so that the garage can easily be detached.

Construction Info

The Prairie Dog 3 is designed to be constructed simply with a trussed roof system, 6" walls, and an ICF (insulated concrete form) foundation. The first floor has 8' ceilings with the south rooms vaulted to the center. The north rooms could be vaulted too, but that would depend on budget and preferences. We have designed the thermal mass walls around the kitchen to temper the winter heat gain. They can be finished in tile, stone, or stucco.

Modification Ideas

Since these ideas may affect energy performance and structural integrity, they should only be undertaken with professional assistance.

- Reverse the kitchen and dining, then eliminate the floor to ceiling wall to the west of the stairs (This will open up the south side even more.)
- Add a door from the master bath to the laundry

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.

Custom Energy Specs that describe any recommended adaptations for your climate – insulation values, glass type for the various windows, overhang lengths.